Automakers ride wave of truck sales, near post-recession record

Newly assembled Ford F150 pick-up trucks sit in a holding area before being transported to dealerships outside the Ford Rouge Center in Dearborn, Mich., last year. Automakers sold 15.7 million cars and light trucks in July, with trucks leading the way.

General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler all announced double-digit year-over-year increases in sales for July. So did Honda, Toyota, and Nissan as the auto industry looks to achieve its best year in sales since 2007.

In July, the industry sold cars and light trucks at an annual rate of 15.7 million, slightly down from June’s figures. But industry analysts suggest that strong sales in the fall could push the industry to the 16 million mark – a post-recession high.

Chrysler saw a similar rise: a 31 percent boost in Ram pickup sales and an 11 percent rise overall.

Among the Japanese automakers, cars and SUVs led the sales parade. Honda did the best of the three major manufacturers, with a 21 percent sales rise in July powered by its CR-V and Pilot SUVs. Toyota saw a 17 percent rise, led by the Prius and Camry, while Nissan climbed 11 percent on the back of its Altima and new Pathfinder SUV.

Smaller Subaru followed a strong June with a whopping 43 percent boost in July on the strength of sales of its Forester SUV.